Godly Play Foundation

What Godly Play Foundation does

Godly Play Foundation is a Kansas-based private nonprofit (founded 2007; Ashland mailing address, Denver research center) that develops and licenses a proprietary Montessori-inspired method of religious education for children, rooted in sacred storytelling, ritual, multi-sensory materials, and a structured "wondering" questioning pedagogy. The foundation's core products include the 8-volume Complete Guide to Godly Play curriculum, physical materials kits (story figures, felt underlays, story boxes), training and certification programs (Core Training, Training of Trainers), the Journal of Childhood and Religion, and the Everyday Godly Play home-based spirituality platform. Its core technology is a copyrighted and trademarked method framework rather than software: lesson scripts, language, artwork, and classroom design templates are protected IP, and the foundation enforces these rights through registered trademarks (Godly Play®, logo, seal).

The foundation operates a diversified nonprofit revenue model combining product sales (store.godlyplayfoundation.org), paid training and certification, individual and organizational memberships (circles.godlyplayfoundation.org), donations and sustaining giving (Star Seeker program), institutional grants (notably $2.25M from Lilly Endowment Inc. across two grants in 2023 and 2025), and international licensing royalties from affiliates in 50+ countries. Go-to-market is hybrid: community-led through a global network of certified trainers and word-of-mouth among religious educators; event-driven via the annual North American Conference; and sales-led through structured training enrollment and the e-commerce store. Customers are primarily Christian congregations (Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist, Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed, Baptist, and non-denominational), with secondary segments including parents/caregivers, clergy, licensed trainers, and theological scholars.

Name

Godly Play Foundation

Legal name

Godly Play Foundation

Website

https://godlyplayfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Godly Play Foundation is a Kansas-based nonprofit that licenses a proprietary Montessori-inspired method of children's religious education, delivering an 8-volume curriculum, certified training programs, materials kits, and home-based spirituality resources to Christian congregations, parents, and clergy across 50+ countries through a global affiliate network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Religious Education Curriculum & Training

NAICS

Religious Organizations (81311), Educational Support Services (61171), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis) (BPAGAJAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Religious Education & Catechetical Publishing (Sunday School, Catechism, Study Guides) (MPAJAHAC), Sermon, Homiletics & Ministry Resource Publishing (Preaching Aids, Pastoral Resources) (MPAJAHAD)

Keywords

• Religious education
• Children's ministry
• Spiritual formation
• Montessori Christian education
• Curriculum and training

Headquarters

HQ city

Ashland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Product Sales — Materials, Books & Kits: The foundation operates an e-commerce storefront (store.godlyplayfoundation.org) selling physical materials including story figures, lesson boxes, underlays, DIY kits, revised edition volumes, pattern books, and denomination-specific resources. Church Publishing Incorporated serves as custodian of all copyright related to Godly Volumes and published books.
2. Training & Certification Programs: Revenue from Core Training retreats, Training of Trainers, advanced workshops, and commuter core series delivered both in-person and virtually. Licensed trainers globally deliver certified training programs.
3. Membership Subscriptions: Individual and organizational membership providing access to member resources, discounts on training and materials, and community platforms (circles.godlyplayfoundation.org). Everyday Godly Play family membership is offered free during the grant pilot period with optional donations.
4. Donations & Grants: The foundation relies significantly on charitable donations (Star Seeker sustaining donor program) and institutional grants. Major grants include $1,000,000 from Lilly Endowment's Christian Parent and Caregiving Program and $1,250,000 from Lilly Endowment's Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer Initiative.
5. Licensing — International Affiliates: International affiliates (Godly Play UK, Godly Play Canada, Godly Play Australia, Godly Play Germany, etc.) hold licensed rights to use Godly Play trademarks and materials in their territories, contributing to global reach and brand consistency.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Godly Play Foundation provides a Montessori-inspired method of Christian religious education and spiritual formation for children, delivered through an 8-volume proprietary curriculum (The Complete Guide to Godly Play), multi-sensory physical story materials (story figures, felt underlays, DIY kits), and certified training programs (Core Training, Training of Trainers). It also sells related publications, operates the Everyday Godly Play home-based spirituality initiative, runs the Center for the Theology of Childhood research center, and licenses the Godly Play® method to international affiliates in 50+ countries.

Product overview

The Godly Play Foundation offers a comprehensive spiritual development program rooted in the Montessori tradition. The core product is the Godly Play method—a storytelling-based approach to religious education using ritual, imagination, and wonder to nurture children's spirituality. The foundation provides an integrated portfolio including: (1) The Complete Guide to Godly Play curriculum (8 volumes) with Core and Extension Lessons; (2) Stories of God at Home materials for family use; (3) Everyday Godly Play program (Lilly Endowment-funded) supporting parents and caregivers with family liturgies, affirmation cards, and home-based resources; (4) Training programs including Core Retreats, Trainings of Trainers, and online workshops; (5) Research through The Center for the Theology of Childhood including the Journal of Childhood and Religion; (6) Podcasts (Godly Play Foundation Podcast and Mess Makes Meaning); (7) Anti-racism initiatives (Beloved Me, Beloved We) with equity audit toolkits; and (8) Circle of We scholarships. The program operates globally through affiliated organizations in over 40 countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Everyday Godly Play: A multi-dimensional project to expand resources supporting parents and caregivers in their homes and through faith communities, focusing on children's spirituality through wonder, narrative, rhythm, and play.
• Clearing the Way for Grace
• Beloved Me, Beloved We
• People of Color who Inspire
• Mess Makes Meaning
• Circle of We

Products and services

• Godly Play Method A Montessori-inspired method of religious education and spiritual guidance for children using storytelling, ritual, imagination, wondering questions, and play. Protected by copyright and registered as the Godly Play® trademark; licensed to international affiliates for use in their territories.
• The Complete Guide to Godly Play (Volumes 1–8) Eight volumes of proprietary curriculum providing lesson scripts, language, published materials, artwork, diagrams, and story figures for implementing the Godly Play method. Includes Core Lessons (Volumes 1–5) and Extension Lessons (Volumes 6–8), with revised and expanded editions; published by Church Publishing Incorporated as copyright custodian.
• Godly Play Training Programs Certified in-person and virtual training programs including Core Retreats, Commuter Core Series, Training of Trainers, and online workshops. Trains adults to deliver the Godly Play method in congregations, faith-based programs, and other settings; led by hundreds of licensed trainers globally.
• Stories of God at Home Biblical storytelling materials designed for families to use in the home, covering Creation, Christmas/Advent, Easter/Lent, Pentecost, The Good Shepherd, and The Liturgical Circle of the Church Year stories. Available as DIY kits, prints, and coloring sheets.
• Everyday Godly Play Online hub and program providing biblical storytelling materials, training, family liturgies, affirmation cards, podcasts, and ministry grants to support parents and caregivers in nurturing children's spirituality at home through wonder, narrative, rhythm, and play.
• Everyday Godly Play Affirmation Cards Physical affirmation cards with stand, used as an intentional way to center children and adults while boosting confidence and self-worth; reminds users they are deeply loved by God. Sold via the Godly Play Foundation store.
• Family Liturgies (Breathe In / Breathe Out) Musical family liturgies — 'Breathe In' (morning/grounding liturgy) and 'Breathe Out' (evening reflection liturgy) — designed for families to practice together, affirming they are deeply loved. Distributed through the Everyday Godly Play program.
• Clearing the Way for Grace Lilly Endowment-funded initiative with two components — Supporting Practitioners (expanded Godly Play liturgical lessons for children twelve and younger, congregational toolkits with assessments, and grants) and Supporting Scholarship (open-access publications, lecture series, research circles, scholar-mentor matching). Bridges practitioner experience with academic research.
• Circle of We Scholarship Program Scholarship fund engaging individuals and organizations needing support to deepen their Godly Play practice. Provides membership scholarships, materials grants, and training support for under-resourced programs in the U.S., funded by Star Seeker donor contributions.
• The Center for the Theology of Childhood Research center located in Denver that produces curriculum, provides training globally, publishes books, and conducts research on children's spirituality. Home of the Journal of Childhood and Religion and Dr. Cheryl Minor's scholarly program.
• Journal of Childhood and Religion Free peer-reviewed journal now managed by the Center for the Theology of Childhood, providing a platform for scholars and practitioners to share ideas promoting children's spiritual well-being.
• Godly Play in Middle and Late Childhood (Book) Book by Rev. Dr. Cheryl V. Minor covering methods for mentors working with children ages 6–13, including adaptations to the Godly Play environment, additional stories, sophisticated materials for free-art responses, and research supporting engagement with older children.
• Equity Audit Toolkits Materials and resources for auditing Godly Play storytelling, training curricula, and materials for implicit bias as part of the Beloved Me, Beloved We anti-racism initiative.
• Godly Play Story Figures, Underlays, and DIY Kits Multi-sensory physical story materials sold through the Godly Play Foundation store, including story figures, lesson boxes, felt underlays, pattern books, DIY kits, denomination-specific resources, and Revised Edition volumes. Distributed in partnership with Godly Play Resources.
• Godly Play Membership (Individual & Organizational) Annual membership providing access to member resources, discounts on training and materials, event registration, and community features on the circles.godlyplayfoundation.org platform, including the Circles of We scholarship program.
• North American Gathering (Annual Conference) Annual in-person and virtual conference bringing together hundreds of Godly Players globally for worship, keynote addresses, workshops, panel discussions, storytelling in multiple languages, and community networking.

Quantifiable outcome

• The Lent in a Bag initiative reached nearly 1,000 homes during the first pandemic year, demonstrating measurable household-level reach of the home-based programming model.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered significant, core and minor.

• Episcopal Diocese of MassachusettssignificantStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021The Godly Play Foundation partnered with the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts to apply for a 'Becoming Beloved Community' Grant from The Episcopal Church, specifically to fund the audit of Godly Play curricula for implicit bias as part of the Beloved Me, Beloved We initiative. The partnership focuses on examining storytelling and training materials for diversity and inclusivity.
• Beloved Me, Beloved We Anti-Racism Task ForcesignificantOthers · 1 January 2020A 17-member anti-racism task force formed in December 2020 evaluated training, curriculum, materials, and organizational culture across the Godly Play Foundation. The task force's work led to the Beloved Me, Beloved We initiative with four priorities: auditing storytelling for implicit bias, increasing leadership diversity, engaging in anti-bias education, and reimagining funding for equity.
• Church Publishing IncorporatedcoreOthersChurch Publishing Incorporated serves as the custodian of all copyright related to Godly Play Volumes and published books. It manages the publication and distribution rights for the Complete Guide to Godly Play curriculum under the oversight of the Godly Play Foundation and its international affiliates.
• Godly Play UKcoreOthersGodly Play UK is a primary international affiliate holding licensed rights to the Godly Play® trademark and method in the United Kingdom. It maintains its own website (godlyplay.uk), delivers training, and manages the UK Godly Play community under the foundation's trademark licensing framework.
• Godly Play CanadacoreOthersGodly Play Canada is an international affiliate managing Godly Play licensing, training, and community activities in Canada. Contact: Karen Eade ([email protected]). Operates website (godlyplay.ca) and Facebook community.
• Godly Play ResourcessignificantOthersGodly Play Resources manages the e-commerce storefront, inventory, and distribution of physical Godly Play materials, kits, and books. It handles product fulfillment, shipping, and the recent launch of updated pattern books and revised edition materials.
• International Affiliate NetworkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe foundation maintains a global network of international affiliates including Godly Play Australia, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, France, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, Sweden), Scotland, South Korea, New Zealand, Hong Kong, China, India, Latin America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Uruguay), Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe), and others across 50+ countries. Each affiliate holds licensing rights to adapt and distribute Godly Play in their territories.
• Reach Hurting Kids InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLed by Dr. Robert Crosby and Lori Crosby, the Reach Hurting Kids Institute collaborated with the Godly Play Foundation to deliver a decade's worth of trauma-informed children's ministry research through workshops and a four-week online book study as part of the Everyday Godly Play initiative.
• Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Sarah B. Drummond, Founding Dean of Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School, facilitated a free online workshop 'Being Church In This Liminal Season: What's Next?' hosted by the Godly Play Foundation, exploring ministerial leadership theory in changing times.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Orange (reThink Group): Orange (formerly reThink Group) produces the Orange curriculum and 252 Kids curriculum for children's ministry, serving a similar church segment with age-appropriate teaching plans and parent resources comparable to Godly Play's training and materials model.
• Group Publishing: Group Publishing is a leading provider of children's ministry curriculum, Vacation Bible School programs, and Sunday school materials for churches, directly comparable to Godly Play's core offering of children's religious education content and training.
• Awana: Awana is a global, non-denominational children's discipleship ministry providing curriculum, training, and a club-based program for churches, directly competing with Godly Play for children's ministry budgets in U.S. and international congregations.
• Sparkhouse: Sparkhouse is the children's and youth ministry publishing imprint of Augsburg Fortress, producing Spark and Whirl curriculum for congregations; it overlaps directly with Godly Play as a children's religious education curriculum provider.
• Discipleland: Discipleland offers online children's ministry curriculum with Bible lessons for preschool through elementary ages, comparable to Godly Play's online/print curriculum offerings and congregational training programs.

Broad incumbents

• Lifeway Christian Resources: Lifeway is the publishing and retail arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, offering extensive children's ministry curriculum, VBS, and Sunday school resources; a broad incumbent whose children's offerings overlap with Godly Play across many denominations.
• David C Cook: David C Cook publishes the Tru curriculum and a wide range of children's ministry and family resources for churches, overlapping with Godly Play's curriculum publishing and global ministry training focus.
• Augsburg Fortress: Augsburg Fortress is the publishing house of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, producing curriculum, worship resources, and books; the foundation's publishing partner Church Publishing Incorporated is similar in role, making Augsburg a comparable broad incumbent.
• Concordia Publishing House: Concordia Publishing House is the publishing arm of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, producing Sunday school curriculum, VBS, and children's ministry materials — comparable to Godly Play as a denominational-aligned publisher of children's religious education resources.

Regional players

• Scripture Union: Scripture Union is an international Christian mission organization operating Bible-based children's and youth ministry programs across 130+ countries, comparable to Godly Play's global children's ministry footprint but operating with different theological and methodological framing.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses1 record

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubebuzzsprout.com/2316839
• Facebookfacebook.com/GodlyPlay
• Instagraminstagram.com/godlyplaysuisseromande
• Xx.com/godlyplay

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Godly Play Foundation